Arthur Ashe stands as a monumental figure in the realms of both sports and social justice. Born in 1943 in Richmond, Virginia, Ashe’s life was a blend of groundbreaking achievements in tennis and tireless activism in various social causes. His legacy as a cultural ambassador is not only marked by his athletic prowess but also by his commitment to civil rights, health awareness, and education. This American great, who died on 6 January 1993 at the age of 49 from AIDS (tragically he contracted the virus during a blood transfusion in 1983). Although he won only three Grand Slam titles (US Open 1968, Australian Open 1970 and Wimbledon 1975), he left a huge mark on tennis history goes far beyond his record. It continues to shine today, and fittingly the world’s largest court, the US Open Centre Court, bears his name.

He was the first African-American man to win a major title, but also the first to be selected for the Davis Cup – an event he also won twice – Ashe, a man unanimously hailed for his integrity and intelligence, was very involved in social causes. And technically, he also made a great contribution to the game by being one of the first players to use very effectively the jump on serve, back in 1963, popularising the chisel technique.

His Tips

He wrote a book “Keys to Better Play” – which included these gems

1. Play with a decisive attitude. Make up your mind where you want to hit the ball and hit it there, without worrying about your opponent. It is critical to do that on passing shots.
2. Mix up your shots. Be unpredictable to keep your opponent off balance.
3. Have a plan on break point. It can be as simple as trying to get the ball in play. Against a net-rusher, hit the ball cross-court over the lower part of the net, giving you a better angle for putting the ball at his feet. Against a baseliner, return deep, preferably to his weaker ground stroke so he cannot hurt you with his big shot. If you return short, he may hit a winner.
4. Lob when you’re in trouble. It is almost always a safer option that a passing shot when you are pulled out of court.
5. Hit approach shots down the line. . . .
6. Cover the open angles at the net. That means moving in the direction of your preceding shot. . . .
7. Get moving after you hit the ball. You don’t have time to stand there admiring your shot.
8. Practice with a purpose. Use a lot of balls, divide your practice time into segments during which you practice only one things, and finish your session [by playing out points].

Breaking Barriers in Tennis

Arthur Ashe was a trailblazer in the world of tennis, achieving milestones that were unprecedented for an African American athlete. He became the first and only African American male to win the U.S. Open and Wimbledon singles titles. His victory at the U.S. Open in 1968 and Wimbledon in 1975 shattered racial barriers and set a precedent for future generations of athletes of color.Ashe’s career is marked by an impressive record of 818 wins, 260 losses, and 51 titles. His finesse and power on the court were complemented by his strategic mind, making him a formidable opponent. Beyond his personal achievements, Ashe co-founded the National Junior Tennis League, aimed at making tennis accessible to underprivileged youth, thus fostering diversity in the sport.

Activism and Social Justice

Ashe’s impact extended far beyond the tennis court. He was a vocal critic of South Africa’s apartheid regime and used his platform to advocate for racial equality. In 1969, his application for a visa to South Africa was denied due to his race, highlighting the stark realities of apartheid. Ashe’s persistence paid off in 1973 when he became the first black professional to compete in the South African Open, using his presence to challenge the status quo and inspire change.His activism was not limited to racial issues. After contracting HIV through a blood transfusion during heart surgery, Ashe became a prominent advocate for AIDS awareness. He founded the Arthur Ashe Foundation for the Defeat of AIDS and the Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health, dedicated to improving healthcare in underserved communities. Ashe’s efforts in raising awareness and funds for AIDS research were instrumental in changing public perception and policy regarding the disease.

Educational Contributions

Education was a cornerstone of Ashe’s legacy. He was a staunch believer in the power of knowledge and used his platform to educate others about the contributions of African American athletes. His three-volume book, “A Hard Road to Glory,” is a comprehensive history of African American athletes, shedding light on their struggles and triumphs. This work is a testament to Ashe’s dedication to preserving and promoting the history of black athletes.Ashe also served as a professor at Florida Memorial College, teaching a course on “The Black Athlete in Contemporary Society.” His commitment to education extended to his efforts in creating programs like the ABC Cities Tennis Program and the Athlete-Career Connection, which provided young athletes with the tools to succeed both on and off the court.

Personal Life and Challenges

Arthur Ashe’s personal life was marked by both triumph and tragedy. After the death of his mother when he was just six years old, Ashe found solace in tennis, a sport that would become his life’s passion. Despite facing numerous challenges, including racial discrimination and health issues, Ashe remained resilient and focused on his goals.In 1977, Ashe married photographer Jeanne Moutoussamy, and the couple adopted a daughter, Camera, in 1986. Ashe’s family was a source of strength and support throughout his life, particularly during his battle with AIDS. His memoir, “Days of Grace,” offers a poignant reflection on his life, providing insight into his thoughts and experiences as he faced his final challenge.

Legacy and Commemoration

Arthur Ashe’s legacy is commemorated in numerous ways. He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States. The USTA National Tennis Center’s main stadium was named Arthur Ashe Stadium, a fitting tribute to the first U.S. Open men’s champion.In Richmond, Virginia, a statue of Ashe stands on Monument Avenue, symbolizing his impact on both the sports world and society at large. This statue, dedicated on what would have been his 53rd birthday, represents a significant shift in the narrative of a city that once celebrated Confederate heroes.

Conclusion

Arthur Ashe’s legacy as a cultural ambassador is multifaceted, encompassing his achievements in tennis, his activism for social justice, his contributions to education, and his advocacy for health awareness. His life serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have on the world. Ashe’s enduring legacy continues to inspire and influence generations, ensuring that his contributions to sports and society will never be forgotten.

Arthur Ashe’s Achievements

• Arthur graduated 1st in his class in high school.
• Arthur is the only black male tennis player to win Wimbledon (1975) and the U.S. Open (1968)
• Davis Cup member 1963, 1965-1970, 1975,1977-1978
• Davis Cup captain 1966, 1967, 1971
• First (and only) African-American to be ranked #1 in the world
• Received honorary doctorates from numerous higher institutions during his lifetime from Dartmouth College, LeMoyne-Owen College, Princeton University, Saint John’s University, Trinity University, Hartford College, and Virginia Union University.
• First African-American ever picked for US Davis Cup team (1963)
• Won NCAA individual and team (UCLA) championships (1965)
• Won three Grand Slam singles titles: 1968 US Open, 1970 Australian Open, and 1975 Wimbledon, during his 10-year playing career (1969-1979)
• Elected as President of ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) in 1974
• Selected as captain of Davis Cup team in 1981
• Inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame in 1985

Ashe mainly used Wilson rackets up to 1973 and then Head Ash Competition from 1975